Stellantis spokesperson Jodi Tinson confirmed the news to Automotive News. She said:
"The Ram 1500 Classic has been a great entry point pickup for Ram, and the Tradesman model has certainly represented the needs of our commercial truck customers. With the introduction of the Tradesman trim on the new Ram 1500 for 2024 model year, we bid farewell to the previous generation and remind customers that the HEMI-powered Ram 1500 Classic will sell into 2025."
The Ram 1500 Classic will continue production through 2024. Ram will introduce a new Tradesman trim on the latest Ram 1500 for the 2024 model year before discontinuing the Classic in 2025.
The Classic's discontinuation means Ram will lose its most affordable full-size pickup option. The 2024 Ram 1500 Classic Tradesman starts at $38,705 plus a $1,995 destination charge. The Warlock trim starts at $43,635 plus destination.
In comparison, the 2025 Ram 1500 Tradesman will start at $40,275, while the Warlock jumps to $54,505.
The Classic also offers the only V8 engine in Ram's 2025 lineup. It comes with a 5.7-liter V8 producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. This engine can handle a 1,810 lb payload.
The 2025 Ram 1500 will offer two engine choices: - A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque (1,930 lb payload) - A Hurricane Standard Output straight-six with 420 hp and 469 lb-ft of torque (1,910 lb payload)
The loss of the V8 option may turn away some buyers who prefer its reliability over turbocharged engines.
Market trends show midsize pickups getting larger and more capable, with prices approaching full-size truck levels. Many buyers still prefer larger, simpler full-size light-duty pickups like the Ram 1500 Classic.
Ram will face competition in the midsize pickup segment from trucks like the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado. The company plans to introduce a smaller Ram 1200 pickup to fill the gap left by the Classic's departure.
Source: CarBuzz